Narrative reconstruction therapy for prolonged grief disorder-rationale and case study.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Mental Health

Background:

• Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) affects 10% of bereaved individuals.
• Impaired integration of loss memories may contribute to PGD development.
• Narrative reconstruction (NR) is a therapeutic module for PTSD involving memory exposure and elaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To suggest and evaluate Narrative Reconstruction (NR) as a novel therapy module for intrusive phenomena in Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD).
• To adapt NR for treating bereaved patients experiencing PGD.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was used to treat a woman with PGD.
• The therapy involved exposure to loss memories, detailed written reconstruction of the narrative, and elaboration of personal significance.
• Therapy was conducted in a university outpatient training clinic.

Main Results:

• Evaluations showed NR reduced symptoms of PGD and depression.
• A 3-month follow-up confirmed the sustained effectiveness of the treatment.
• Analysis of narratives revealed increased organization post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• This case report demonstrates the adaptation of NR for PGD treatment.
• Preliminary findings support the effectiveness of NR in reducing PGD symptoms.
• The study highlights the potential of NR as a therapeutic intervention for prolonged grief.